Shopping for the perfect college will no doubt prove frustrating at some point or another, but don't let this deter you from the idea of going to college. Consider your frustration may actually be a derivative of your inability to recognize your own needs. If you begin your college search by looking first at yourself, you'll be much better off.

Many students enter senior year of high school surrounded by pressure to be in the front lines of the competitive college search race. Some choose schools by looking at what's the most popular, or where their friends are going. While the lure of partying with your high school friends for four more years may prove attractive, you've got to consider your own educational needs before you consider your social ones.

Your friends' college choices may not be the best for you. Just because traditional four-year colleges and universities may seem like the cool way to do college, community colleges may be a better fit for you, especially if you're not sure what you want to do with your life yet!

Unlike many four-year institutions, community colleges don't bother with 500-seat lecture halls and they don't identify you by number. Many community universities offer small class sizes with individualized attention, and their campuses are saturated with diversity and opportunities to become a leader.

Becoming a leader may sound a bit lame, but consider it in metaphorical terms: With smaller class sizes , it's much more likely you'll be able to verbalize your ideas and your work in your classes rather than simply handling in a paper that 500 other kids are handing in. You may also have a better change at become a sports team captain, or a have the lead in a theatre production. "[At community colleges], a freshman theatre major might get to run the sound or light board for a main stage production here, but at a four-year institution they may have to wait until junior or senior year," says Steve Reed, director of public information at Cottey College (Nevada, MO).

And, if you're undecided on your major, it's much more advantageous to consider community colleges, as you won't be as pressured to decide on a major by sophomore year. Undecided major are decidedly welcome at community colleges! After all, helping you get focused on your career path is part of a community college's job.

Lastly, many students use community colleges as a stepping-stone to their future. Many go on to attend prestigious colleges and universities around the world. So, when you're battling that tough college decision, consider yourself first. If community college is for you, check out your area's options. You'll quickly be on your way to a successful career.